The case of Alvin Ng Ka-chun may turn out to be a one-off but it is surely presenting the Jockey Club with a need to take a fresh look at how apprentice claims work at the same time that it is examining freelance allowances.
The perpetual two-pound allowance for senior freelancers like Howard Cheng Yue-tin, a rider with well over 300 wins to his name, was a godsend when it was introduced some seasons ago.
Allowances reinvigorated the careers of the Chinese riders at a time when they had been looking against the ropes, but the Jockey Club is now taking a serious look at whether it is appropriate beyond a certain point. Perhaps 200 or 250 winners.
Cheng has shown in no uncertain terms he is very competitive with the expatriate jockeys, and he and the other top locals command plenty of support from owners and trainers.
And Ng's bursting on to the scene has made it a hot topic of discussion among the jockeys on whether some further thought should be invested in how the 10-pound claims are handed out.
Make no mistake, Ng still has his 'L' plates on, but he is much further down the road of experience and understanding than his 10-pound claim and it showed on the first day.
Usually, the riders who return from their training in Australia or New Zealand with just 150 rides under the belt stand out in a race and their claim is well and truly balanced against their lack of experience and strength.